Frustrations rise in West

Updated 2:01 am, Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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West residents Kathy Gremminger, left, Nick Nors, center, James Lenart, right, and Christy Nors, on floor, Nick's wife, bow their heads in prayer at the start of a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

West residents Kathy Gremminger, left, Nick Nors, center, James Lenart, right, and Christy Nors, on floor, Nick's wife, bow their heads in prayer at the start of a town hall meeting held at the Knights of

Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Jeanette Holecek, right, shares her stories of the explosion in West, TX with Katherine Vrba during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Jeanette Holecek, right, shares her stories of the explosion in West, TX with Katherine Vrba during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on

West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, takes questions at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, takes questions at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, listens as Mayor Pro tem Steve Vanek, left, answers a question from a citizen at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, listens as Mayor Pro tem Steve Vanek, left, answers a question from a citizen at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by

Jeanette Holecek, center, and Katherine Vrba, right, console each other as they share their stories of the explosion in West, TX, during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Jeanette Holecek, center, and Katherine Vrba, right, console each other as they share their stories of the explosion in West, TX, during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents

Pall bearers carry the casket of Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed by the blast in West, TX, in his apartment which was close to the explosion. This was the first of many funeral services to be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Pall bearers carry the casket of Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed by the blast in West, TX, in his apartment which was close to the explosion. This was the first of many funeral services to be held at

Pall bearers carry the casket of Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed by the blast in West, TX, in his apartment which was close to the explosion. This was the first of many funeral services to be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Pall bearers carry the casket of Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed by the blast in West, TX, in his apartment which was close to the explosion. This was the first of many funeral services to be held at

Friends and family members gather following funeral services at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, for Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed in his apartment in the explosion in West, TX, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Friends and family members gather following funeral services at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, for Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed in his apartment in the explosion in West, TX, on

Friends comfort a family member following funeral services at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, for Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed in his apartment in the explosion in West, TX, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Friends comfort a family member following funeral services at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, for Mariano C. Saldivar, 57, who was killed in his apartment in the explosion in West, TX, on Tuesday

Florentino Perez, a friend of Mariano Saldovar who was killed in the explosion in West, TX, explains how Saldovar moved here from California five years ago. They were neighbors in their home town of Zacatecas, MX. He spoke following funeral services at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, for Saldivar, 57, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Florentino Perez, a friend of Mariano Saldovar who was killed in the explosion in West, TX, explains how Saldovar moved here from California five years ago. They were neighbors in their home town of Zacatecas,

West residents Kathy Gremminger, left, Nick Nors, center, James Lenart, right, and Christy Nors, on floor, Nick's wife, bow their heads in prayer at the start of a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013. less

West residents Kathy Gremminger, left, Nick Nors, center, James Lenart, right, and Christy Nors, on floor, Nick's wife, bow their heads in prayer at the start of a town hall meeting held at the Knights of ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Jeanette Holecek, center, and Katherine Vrba, right, console each other as they share their stories of the explosion in West, TX, during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013. less

Jeanette Holecek, center, and Katherine Vrba, right, console each other as they share their stories of the explosion in West, TX, during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, takes questions at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, takes questions at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, listens as Mayor Pro tem Steve Vanek, left, answers a question from a citizen at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013. less

West Mayor Tommy Muska, center, listens as Mayor Pro tem Steve Vanek, left, answers a question from a citizen at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Jeanette Holecek, right, shares her stories of the explosion in West, TX with Katherine Vrba during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013. less

Jeanette Holecek, right, shares her stories of the explosion in West, TX with Katherine Vrba during a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents affected by the recent blast, on ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Residents of West, TX look at desaster map of their town, at a town hall meeting held at the Knights of Columbus Hall for residents of West, TX, affected by the recent blast, on Tuesday April 23, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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First responders pay tribute, Saturday April 20, 2013, to fallen "brothers" killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. as their remains are driven to Dallas.

First responders pay tribute, Saturday April 20, 2013, to fallen "brothers" killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. as their remains are driven to Dallas.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Charles Mikeska, Assistant Superintendent of West ISD, looks over donations made to the West Elementary School, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Charles Mikeska, Assistant Superintendent of West ISD, looks over donations made to the West Elementary School, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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People pray during a mass at the Church of the Assumption ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

People pray during a mass at the Church of the Assumption ,Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Trish Webre removes shattered window glass from her table, Sunday April 21, 2013, in her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Trish Webre removes shattered window glass from her table, Sunday April 21, 2013, in her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Bishop Joe S. Vasquez speaks, Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Bishop Joe S. Vasquez speaks, Sunday April 21, 2013, during a mass at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Members of the Knights of Columbus attend a mass, Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Members of the Knights of Columbus attend a mass, Sunday April 21, 2013, at the Church of the Assumption after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Jeff Clark (facing camera) comforts Dustin Matus, Sunday April 21, 2013, after a mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. Matus' father Jimmy Matus was killed in the explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening. less

Jeff Clark (facing camera) comforts Dustin Matus, Sunday April 21, 2013, after a mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, Tx. Matus' father Jimmy Matus was killed in the explosion at a fertilizer plant ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Robert Boles, 35, looks at the damage to his home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Robert Boles, 35, looks at the damage to his home, Sunday April 21, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Tamisha Boles, 26, gathers clothes, Sunday April 21, 2013, for her daughter McKayla, 7-months, from her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Tamisha Boles, 26, gathers clothes, Sunday April 21, 2013, for her daughter McKayla, 7-months, from her home that was damaged by an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Bill Hromadka, 84, talks, Sunday April 21, 2013, about the damage to his home after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Bill Hromadka, 84, talks, Sunday April 21, 2013, about the damage to his home after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with emotion during mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

An unidentified injured member of the West VFD is over come with emotion during mass at the Church of the Assumption in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, surround and comfort Patrick Weaver, in grey hoodie and his friend Rachal, in pink, following a chruch service in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013. less

Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, surround and comfort Patrick Weaver, in grey hoodie and his friend Rachal, in pink, following a chruch service in a field used for ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, met for a service in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Members of First Baptist Church, whose building is too damaged to worship in, met for a service in a field used for parking during West Fest, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Lisa Crowder, right, recieves a hug from Shelly Miller as the two attend an outdoor service held by First Baptist Church in West, whose building is too damaged to hold worship on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder and her husband, Pastor John Crowder lost their home to the explosion. less

Lisa Crowder, right, recieves a hug from Shelly Miller as the two attend an outdoor service held by First Baptist Church in West, whose building is too damaged to hold worship on Sunday April 21, 2013. Crowder ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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A West resident steps out of a shattered glass storm door carrying her cat, after being allowed return to her home for the first time since the explosion, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

A West resident steps out of a shattered glass storm door carrying her cat, after being allowed return to her home for the first time since the explosion, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Pete Arias, right, holds plastic in place over a blown out window as his wife Jacki staples it in place. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013. less

Pete Arias, right, holds plastic in place over a blown out window as his wife Jacki staples it in place. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Pete Arias inspects the ceiling in the bathroom of his home in West, TX. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Pete Arias inspects the ceiling in the bathroom of his home in West, TX. Families were let back in to see their homes which were damaged by the explosion in West, TX on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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David Romero, center, of Hewitt, TX and his "Waco Sunday Cruise" club decided to collect cash and cruise to West, TX to present Mayor Tommy Muska, right, cash in an envelope totaling $367.00, as a donation to help the city, on Sunday April 21, 2013. less

David Romero, center, of Hewitt, TX and his "Waco Sunday Cruise" club decided to collect cash and cruise to West, TX to present Mayor Tommy Muska, right, cash in an envelope totaling $367.00, as a donation to ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, Express-News

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Diamante Maya, a volunteer social worker, puts up posters in West Elementary School made by students from Felty Elementary School in Waxahachie, TX. Students in West, Tx returned to school hoping to get back to some form of normalcy, on Monday April 22, 2013. less

Diamante Maya, a volunteer social worker, puts up posters in West Elementary School made by students from Felty Elementary School in Waxahachie, TX. Students in West, Tx returned to school hoping to get back ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Students at West Elementary School pet Moses, a trained Comfort Dog from Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo Nebraska. Students returned to school on Monday April 22, 2013 hoping to regain some normalcy in thier lives after West, TX experience a masive explosion last week. less

Students at West Elementary School pet Moses, a trained Comfort Dog from Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo Nebraska. Students returned to school on Monday April 22, 2013 hoping to regain some normalcy in thier ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Scott Tacker (second from left) and wife Jennifer get help from her brother Will Matus as they retrieve belongings from their damaged West home.

Scott Tacker (second from left) and wife Jennifer get help from her brother Will Matus as they retrieve belongings from their damaged West home.

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A West resident steps out of a shattered glass storm door carrying her cat, after being allowed return to her home for the first time since the explosion, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

A West resident steps out of a shattered glass storm door carrying her cat, after being allowed return to her home for the first time since the explosion, on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of a pickup, Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Kyle Sinkule, 16, holds an American flag while riding in the bed of a pickup, Saturday April 20, 2013, after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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A law enforcement officer completes marking a vehicle for a resident who will be allowed to re-enter their home near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes. less

A law enforcement officer completes marking a vehicle for a resident who will be allowed to re-enter their home near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

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Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the department's firefighters lost their lives in the West Fertilizer explosion on Wednesday. less

Members of West Volunteer Fire Department leave St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption after a service honoring the department's fallen firefighters in West, Texas on Friday, Apr. 19, 2013. Five of the ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

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The remains of first responders killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. are driven to Dallas Saturday April 20, 2013.

The remains of first responders killed in an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. are driven to Dallas Saturday April 20, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Express-News

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Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk past the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. They were hoping to gain access to the home to at least drop off the food for their cat. less

Pete and Jacki Arias along with their eight-year-old son, Sam, walk past the distribution center to pick up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

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Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor, Mindy (no last name given) while picking up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday, the family has stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home.

Jacki Arias (second from left) receives a hug from a neighbor, Mindy (no last name given) while picking up pet food to possibly feed their cat that remained in their home near the blast site. The Arias's home

A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area clear for search and rescue and other safety concerns, officials were finally beginning the process of allowing families to return to their affected homes. less

A law enforcement officer talks to residents in their vehicles about the procedure to re-enter their homes near the blast site in West, Texas on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. After several days of keeping the area ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that states, "God is big enough" on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The pink ribbon was put on at the distribution center in West, Texas to indicate an individual is picking up supplies. Arias's home was less than a half-mile from the West Fertilizer Company explosion. Since Wednesday night, he and his family have stayed with a relative and have been frustrated by the lack of clear information on when they could return to their home. less

Pete Arias is seen wearing a pink ribbon and a wrist band that states, "God is big enough" on Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013. The pink ribbon was put on at the distribution center in West, Texas to indicate an ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

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Donated goods are there for the taking at a distribution center for those affected by the blast in West. The real need now, a spokesman said, is money to rebuild.

Donated goods are there for the taking at a distribution center for those affected by the blast in West. The real need now, a spokesman said, is money to rebuild.

A 2012 photo provided by the Uptmor family shows Buck Uptmor and his wife, Arcy. Buck Uptmor, who rushed to the scene of the fire to help, was killed in the explosion.

A 2012 photo provided by the Uptmor family shows Buck Uptmor and his wife, Arcy. Buck Uptmor, who rushed to the scene of the fire to help, was killed in the explosion.

Photo: Courtesy Photo / Associated Press

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The remains of an apartment complex show the level of devastation next to the fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night. Buildings were damaged for blocks in every direction. It won't be easy to rebuild, longtime West residents said, and the tragedy of the explosion will linger. less

The remains of an apartment complex show the level of devastation next to the fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night. Buildings were damaged for blocks in every direction. It won't be easy to rebuild, ... more

Photo: Erich Schlegel / Getty Images

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Vivian Green (facing)) hugs Jami Staggs after praying Friday April 19, 2013 at the Best Western Hotel in West, Texas. The hotel has become an area for residents affected by the fertilizer plant explosion to seek refuge, obtain food and nourishment and clothing. Green's home was damaged by the explosion and is stying with a friend. less

Vivian Green (facing)) hugs Jami Staggs after praying Friday April 19, 2013 at the Best Western Hotel in West, Texas. The hotel has become an area for residents affected by the fertilizer plant explosion to ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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West Mayor Tommy Muska (right) listens to Gov. Rick Perry speak ,Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

West Mayor Tommy Muska (right) listens to Gov. Rick Perry speak ,Friday April 19, 2013, during a press conference on an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Bethany Raines comforts niece Dusty Uptmor, daughter of victim Buck Uptmor, while she talks about her father a day after the fertilizer plant explosion on Friday, April 19, 2013, in West. The explosion at the fertilizer plant killed 12 people and injured hundreds. less

Bethany Raines comforts niece Dusty Uptmor, daughter of victim Buck Uptmor, while she talks about her father a day after the fertilizer plant explosion on Friday, April 19, 2013, in West. The explosion at the ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Greg May Chevrolet used car manager Ronnie Owens wears a "God Bless West" t-shirt ,Friday April 19, 2013, that is being sold at the dealership after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday evening in West, Tx. The money raised from the t-shirt is benefitting the West Independent School District. less

Greg May Chevrolet used car manager Ronnie Owens wears a "God Bless West" t-shirt ,Friday April 19, 2013, that is being sold at the dealership after an explosion at a fertilizer plant that occurred Wednesday ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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People attend a service at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, Friday, April 19, 2013, two days after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. Wednesday night killed 14 people including numerous members of the West Volunteer Fire Department and injured more than 160. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) less

People attend a service at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, Friday, April 19, 2013, two days after an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The massive explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. ... more

Photo: Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

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Staff at the West Elementary School put up a mesage made of cups on a fence as students students return to school in a town trying to get back to normalcy, on Monday April 22, 2013.

Staff at the West Elementary School put up a mesage made of cups on a fence as students students return to school in a town trying to get back to normalcy, on Monday April 22, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Frustrations rise in West

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WEST — Some 500 residents attended a town hall meeting late Tuesday, many leaving frustrated after waiting to get into their homes that were likely damaged by the explosion at West Fertilizer Co. last week.

“I have not gotten the answer I'm looking for, to 'When do we get in?'” asked Gary Stacy of Dallas, whose 85-year-old mother lives in Zone 3, the area hit hardest by the blast.

West Mayor Tommy Muska urged residents to be patient, and to use services and the availability of donated goods as the city continues its “marathon” toward recovery.

“I know that West is a proud community. But there are benefits out there for you,” he said.

But many people weren't happy as the meeting ended an hour later. City officials said they're working with building inspectors, putting green tags on houses that are safe, and red ones on those that aren't.

Reuters reported Tuesday that two lawsuits were filed against the parent company of West Fertilizer, accusing it of negligence. One was filed by a resident and the other by several insurance companies representing individuals and businesses.

West has begun mourning the loss of the 15 people killed in the blast.